Method and apparatus for applying tapes to cables



Jan. 10, 1950 A. L. LOUCKS 2,494,050

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING TAPES T0 CABLES Filed May 23, 1946 7 heets-Sheet 1 FIG.

nvvmron AL. LOUCKS AC O A. L. LOUCKS Jan. 10, 1950 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING TAPES TO CABLES 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 25, 1946 lNl EWTOR AL. .LOUCKS ATTORNEY \b \m mm Ob km A. L. LOUCKS Jan. 10, 1950 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING TAPES T0 CABLES 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 23, 1946 INVENTOR AL. LOUCKS Jan. 10, 1950 A. L. LOUCKS 2,494,050

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING TAPES T0 CABLES Filed May 23. 1946 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEAHOQ AL. LOUC/(S A TTORNEV Jan. 10, 1950 A. L. LOUCKS 2,494,050

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING TAPES T0 CABLES Filed May 23, 1946 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 5

INVENTOR AL. LOUC/(S A TTORNEV A. L. LOUCKS Jan. 10, 1950 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING TAPES T0 CABLES 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed May 23, 1946 m at lA/VA/TOR AL. LOUCKS A. L. LoucKs 2,494,050 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING TAPES T0 CABLES Jan. 10, 1950 Filed May 23, 1946 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Q GP /A/ l/E N TOP A. L. LOUCKS Patented Jan. 10, 1950 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING 1 TAPES TO CABLES Alton L. Loucks, Baltimore, Md., assignmto Western Electric Company, Incorporated, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application May 23, 1946, Serial No. 671,835

20 Claims. (Cl. 51-1) This invention relates to methods of and apparatus for applying tapes to cables.

In the manufacture of cables it is sometimes necessary to wrap tapes transversely on cables. In the past, various types of forming dies have been used to form tapes transversely around cables. Most of these dies include means for wrapping one edge of a tape against the cable and means for wrapping the other edge of the tape over the first-wrapped edge of the tape. Dies known in the past for so wrapping tapes around cables have not been suitable to wrap the tapes completely around the cables and to overlap the edges of the tape without either damage to the tape or imperfect application of the tape to cables.

An object of the invention is to provide new and improved methods of and apparatus for applying tapes to cables.

A further object of the invention is to provide new and improved methods of and apparatus for applying thermoplastic tapes to cables without damage to the tapes orcables.

In applying a tape longitudinally to a cable in accordance with one method embodying the invention, a cable and a thermoplastic tape are advanced continuously, and a tape is partially wrapped around the cable by a U-shaped forming die. The tape and the cable travel through a second forming die, which wraps one edge of the tape tightly against the cable. The tape and the cable travel to a serving head in this condition and the serving head wraps either servings of textile or plastic cords or tapes around the thermoplastic tape in a direction tending to snug the thermoplastic tape upon the cable and to wrap the free edge of the thermoplastic tape over the edge thereof positioned against the cable. Before the thermoplastic tape and the cable travel through the serving head, a coating of cement is applied to the edge of the thermoplastic tape which is held against the cable so that when the other edge of the tape is wrapped thereover, the overlapped edges of the tape are sealed together.

A complete understanding of the invention may be obtained from the following detailed description of methods and apparatus forming specific embodiments thereof, when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a portion of an apparatus constituting a specific embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of another portion of the apparatus;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of still another portion of the apparatus having parts thereof broken away;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of an additional portion of the apparatus showing parts thereof in section;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, side elevation of a further portion of the apparatus;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical section taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical section taken along line 1-1 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical section taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical section taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged, vertical section taken along line Ill-Iii of Fig. 9, and

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view of an electrical circuit of the apparatus.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, a lead-sheathed cable 20 having a previously applied coating of tallow on the outer surface thereof is advanced toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 1, from a supply reel 2| mounted on a supply stand 22. The cable. passes through a bellmouth 23 through a cleaning and coating flooding tank 24, the operation of which is disclosed fully and claimed in copending application Serial No. 671,838, filed May 23, 1946. The flooding tank 24 includes an electric motor 25, which drives a' pump (not shown) to pump hot thermoplastic cement upon the cable through troughs 28 and 21. The hot cement applied to the cable by the trough 26 melts the tallow, and a tight wiper 28 wipes the cement and the melted tallow from the periphery of the cable. The hot cement flowing through the trough 21 then covers the wiped periphery of the cable and the excess thereof is wiped from the cable by a relatively loose Wiper 29. The tallow on the cable is compietely removed from the cable by the hot cement applied by the trough 26 and the wiping action of the tight wiper 28 so that the tallow does not prevent adhesion between the cement applied by the trough 21 and the cable.

The cable 20 passes from the flooding tank 24 to a tape applicator 30, which applies an insulating tape 3| formed of thermoplastic material longitudinally upon the cable. The tape 3| and'the cable then pass through a flooding tank 32 of a second tape applicator 33. The flooding tank 32 is of standard construction and applies hot thermoplastic cement to the exterior of the thermoplastic tape 3|. The cable as thus built up is advanced from the flooder 82 on through the remainder of the second tape applicator 83, which applies a thermoplastic tape 84 longitudinally upon the cable.

The covered cable then travels through a corrugating and forming device 35, which corrugates a copper strip 85 and forms the corrugated strip around the cable. A thermoplastic cement applicator 31 applies thermoplastic cement into the partially formed copper strip just before the strip is completely formed around the cable. The applicator 31 is described in detail and claimed in copending application Serial No. 671,836,'flled Ma 23, 1948.

The cable thus built up is advanced through a flooding tank 38, identical with the flooding tank 82, which applies hot asphalt to the exterior of the formed copper strip. A tape 4| formed of protective material, for example impregnated burlap, is applied to the continuously moving cable by a serving head 45 of a suitable type, which carries a suply pad 44 of the tape. A holder 39 serves to hold extra pads 43-43 of the tape 4| in positions over the cable so that they may be used when the tape pad 44 is exhausted.

The taped cable is advanced from the serving head through a flooding tank 42, which is 7 identical with the above-mentioned flooding tanks 32 and 38, and the flooding tank 42 applies hot asphalt to the exterior of the tape 4|. A capstan 45 advances the cable from the flooding tank 42 through a pit 45 containing a suspension of whiting, in which the cable is coated with whiting, and finally the cable is wound upon a reel 41 driven by rollers 58-58.

The tape applicators 38 and 33, the corrugating and forming device 35, the cement applicator 31, the serving head 48 and the capstan 45 are all driven by a line shaft 5|, which is rotated by a main electric motor 52 through suitable gears (not shown). The cement applicator 31 is driven through a variable gear box so that its speed can be varied with respect to that of the capstan to coordinate their operations.

As the cable 28 is advanced through the tape applicator 38, the thermoplastic: tape 3| is advanced from a tape supply pad 55 by means of an overrunning drive roll 55, which tends to advancethe tape 3| from the supply pad 55 at a rate of speed greater than that at which the tape is applied to the cable and thereby prevents stretching of the tape 3|. The tape 3| is advanced from the drive roll 58 over a lubricating roll 51, which dips into a tank containing a supply of lubricant, such as a mixture of rosin oil and turpentine, or the like, and the roll 5'! coats the outer surface of the tape 3| with the lubricant except for the portion thereof near the edge 58 of the tape which is not coated with the lubricant. An adjustable guide 59 guides the tape 3| so that the portion of the exterior surface of the tape 3| near the edge 58 thereof extends beyond and is not contacted by the lubricating roll 51.

The tape 3| travels from the roll 5'! over a vertically adjustable guide 5| and back over a supporting guide 62, which holds the tape 3| out of contact with the cement-covered cable. The cable 20 and the tape 3| are advanced through a former 54 (Fig. 6) having a replaceable semihard rubber forming insert positioned within a holder 55 thereof. The forming insert forms the flat tape 3| into a trough-like member having a cross section the shape of a U, and simultaneously presses the tape 3| into contact with the cemented cable 20. The lubricant appliedto the outer surface oi the tape 8| eliminates undue friction between the forming insert 55 and the tape 8| so that little or no stretch is created in the tape 5| as it is continuously drawn through the former 84. Since the tape 3| does not contact the ocmeat-covered cable until the tape. enters the former 54, any stretching of the tape does not cause wrinkles therein which might be formed if the tape should contact the cable before the tape enters the former 54.

The holder 55 is pivotaily mounted on a rod 51 by lugs 58-55, and is held against undue lateral to the rod 51.

movement by collars 10-18 fastened adiustably However, slight clearances between the collars 1 8-18 and the lugs 58-58 permit the former 54 to float-laterally with the cables. A tension spring ll serves to urge the holder 55 and the insert 55 downwardly, as viewed in Fig. 6, so that the forming insert 55 presses the tape 3| against the upper portion of the cable 28.

The half of the tape 3| adjacent to the edge 58 (Figs. 2 and 7) thereof then is wrapped tightly against the cement-covered cable 20 by a former 14, which includes a replaceable semihard rubber forming insert 15 held in a holder 15, which is held on a rod 11 by lugs 19-49, bracketing collars 88-88 fastened adiustably to the rod cement therein and applies the cement to the unlubricated portion of the outer surface of the tape 3| adjacent to the edge 58 thereof. The guide 84 holds an edge 82 of the tape 3| outwardly so that it does not contact the wheel 85, whereby damage to the tape 3| is prevented. The periphery of the wheel 85 is concave so that it conforms to the shape of the portion of the tape 3 adjacent to the edge 58 thereof. Also, the periphery of the wheel 85 is knurled slightly so that slippage between the wheel and the tape 3| is prevented.

After passing over the applicator wheel 85, the tape 3| and the cable 28 pass through a serving head 88 (Fig. 2) of the tape applicator 38, which is driven by the line shaft 5| in synchronization with the speed of the capstan 45 (Fig. 5). The

serving head 98 winds textile cords 9|9| around I of this tape so that a moistureproof seal is formed therebetween. The cords 8|8| also serve to hold the tape 3| tightly against the cable 20 so that it is stuck thereto by the cement. The cords may be composed of a high strength plastic material rather than textile material, if so desired. The cable thus built up travels from the serving head 98 to the flooding tank 32, which completely coats the outer portion of the tape 3| and impregnates the textile cords 9|8l with a thermoplastic waterproofing and electrically insulating cement.

The cable '28 travels from the flooding tank 32 of the tape applicator 33 (Fig. 3) on through the tape applicator 33, which applies the thermoplastic tape 34 thereto. The tape 34 is advanced -5 from a tape supply pad 95 under an overrunning drive roll 91. The tape 34 travels from the drive roll 91 over guide rolls 98 and a lubricating roll 96 to a position spacedslightly below the cable 20. The tape 34 and the cable 20 are drawn continuously through a former 99, which is identical in shape with the former 64 (Fig. 6) except that the former 99 is inverted with respect to the former 64, and through a former. I (Fig. 3), which is identical in shape with the former I4 (Fig. 7) except that the former I00 is reversed with respect to the former I4. The former 99 presses the tape 34 into contact with the cement-covered cable, and forms the tape 34 in such manner that the tape is the shape of an inverted U in cross section, as viewed in Fig. 3. The former I00 presses the half of the tape 34 adjacent to an edge I05 thereof tightly against the cable to stick thatportion of the tape 34 to the cable, but holds an edge I06 away from the edge I05 and from the cable.

The tape' 34 and the cable then are advanced from the former I00 beneath a thermoplastic ce-' ment applicator IOI, which is disclosed completely and claimed in copending application Serial No. 671,837, filed May 23, 1946. The cementapplicator, which includes an air operated valve I02 controlled by an air valve I09 actuated by a solenoid I03, discharges a small stream of thermoplastic cement at a constant rate through the valve I02 and a flow-control valve I04 upon the portion of the tape 34 near the edge I05 thereof. The cable '20 with the tape'34 formed partially 6 rate of speed at which at which latter rate the strip 36 is applied to the cable, so that slack accumulates in the portion of the strip between the corrugating'rolls III-I II and the cable 20. When a predetermined amount of slack in this portion of the strip has accumulated, the feeler II5, which is counterweighted, drops into engagement with a microswitch Ill and the microswitch is actuated. The microswitch III is associated with a solenoid (not shown), which when actuated by the microswitch causes the clutch driving the corrugating rolls III--I II to be disengaged so that the rolls I I I- I I I stop. As the slack in this portion of the strip 3615 used up, the strip raises the feeler H5 and moves it into engagement with a microswitch I20, which causes the clutch to be reengag'ed so that the corrugating rolls III-I II restart and advance and corrugate the strip-36.

around and stuck thereto is advanced from under the cement applicatorlDl to and through a serving head I0'Iof the tape applicator 33, which serving head is of a well-known type.

The serving head I0! is driven by the line shaft 5| in synchronization with the speed of the capstan (Fig. 5), and wraps tapes I08-I08 (Fig.

3), composed of impregnated fabric, paper or other suitable insulating materials, around the thermoplastic tape 34 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the left end of the serving head I01 as seen in Fig. 3. As the tapes I08-'- I08 are served upon the thermoplastic tape 34, they wrap the edge I06 of the tape 34 over the cemented edge I05 thereof, and press them tightly together whereby the edge I05 is cemented and sealed to the edge I06. The tapes I00-I08 Thus, excess slack of 36 are prevented.

The corrugated strip-36 and the cable 20 are advanced through sets of forming rolls I2I-, I22, I23, I24 and I25, which gradually form the strip 36 transversely into the shape of a U. Guides or tensionupcn the strip I26 and I21 hold the edges of the strip 36 in anopen position between the set of forming rolls I25 and a set of forming rolls I28. The set of forming rolls I28 serves to further form the strip 36 around the cable and to partially tuck an edge I36 of the strip under an edge I35 there- A support I30, guides the strip 36 and the covered cable 20 into a set of horizontally disposed rolls I3I, which tuck the edge I36 of the strip 36 further under the edge I35 thereof. Vertically disposed forming rolls I32--I32 lap the edge I35 over the edge I36 of the strip 36 so that the cable 20 is completely enclosed in the formed copper strip 36 and the strip shields the cable.

- charges thermoplastic insulating and waterproofalso press the tape 34 tightly against the cementcovered cable 20 so that the tape 34 is sealed thereto, and since they are wound upon the tape 34 in a direction tending to wrap the edge I06 of the tape 34 over the edge I05 thereof, any wrinkles in the tape 34 are prevented. In addition to these functions, the tapes I08-I08 serve as mechanical protection for the thermoplastic tapes 3| and 34.

The cable 20, including the coverings thereon, travels from the serving head I01 to the corrugating and forming device 35 (Fig. 4), which corrugates the copper strip 36 and forms the corrugated strip around the cable to form a longitudinally extending, conductive shield on the cable. The copper strip 36 is advanced from a pad IIO thereof by corrugating rolls IlI-III,

which are driven from the line shaft 5| through a clutch (not shown). The rolls III-III corrugate the strip and advance it therebetween, and the corrugated strip passes over a guide roll II2,

a floating feeler II5and a guide roll H6. The

corrugating rolls II|I II advance the corrugated strip 36 at a rate of speed greater than the -ing cement uponthe cable 20 at a point to the right of the guide I 26, as viewed in Fig. 4, and the cement flows around the cable and is retained in the U-shaped portion of the strip 36. Theportions of the cable 20 and the, strip 36 passing from the set of forming rolls I25 to beyond the final forming rolls I32-I32 are enclosed in an oven I40, which has steam coils l3'I-l3'l therein. The steam coils I3'I-I3I heat the oven to' a high temperature, and are. controlled thermostatically to regulate the temperature of the oven I40 so that the cement applied to the cable 20 by the applicator 31 is prevented from congealing whenever the apparatus is stopped. Hence, the cement flows completely around the cable 20. The oven I40 is of particular importance when the advancement of the strip 36 and the cable 20 is stopped because it prevents congealing of and keeps fluent the thermoplastic cement in the portion of the strip 36 which is not completely wrapped around the cable.

The cement applicator 31 delivers cement to the cable 20 at a rate slightly in excess of that needed to thoroughly cement the strip tothe cable and to thoroughly insulate the cable 20 from the copper strip 36, and the excess of. the cement is squeezed out of theformed strip 36 by the forming rolls I32-I32 when they com' Y plete the wrapping of the strip 36 around the the cable 20 is advanced,

7 I3I and I32-I32, the cement is distributed uniformly around the periphery of the cable 20 and fills the space between the strip and the cable completely.

The cement applicator 31 includes a steamjacketed melting kettle I45 having positioned in the lower portion thereof an agitator I46 driven I shown) in synchronization with the capstan 45 (Fig. The left end of the shaft I52, as viewed in Fig. 9, is mounted in a thrust bearing I60, and a. packing gland I6I seals the interior of the conduit I5I from the atmosphere.

The helical ribbon I55 is spaced a short distance from the shaft I52, and likewise is spaced a short distance from the conduit I5I so that the ribbon urges rather than positively forces the cement along the conduit and agitates the cement to keep its fluidity high. The helical ribbon I55 urges the hot cement along the conduit I5I to a steam-jacketed strainer I62, which is disclosed fully and claimed in copending application Serial No. 673,580, filed May 31, 1946, now Patent No. 2,461,647, dated Feb. 15, 1949. ,The strainer includes a split, removable screen I65, which has a straight portion I66 and a slanting portion I61. The screen I65 strains any debris such as large lumps, or the like, from the cement, which isforced through the screen. The slanting portion I61 of the screen I65 directs debris downwardly into a sump I68 of the strainer. A bottom plate I69 may be detached from the strainer I62 to remove the split screen I65 for cleaning or repair, if necessary. A discharge pipe I1Ilis secured in a tapped bore I1I formed in the plate I69, and a valve I12 connected to the discharge pipe may be opened to flush debris out of the strainer I62.

The strained cement is advanced from the strainer I62 through a steam-jacketed conduit I13, which contains a spider I14 supporting a bearing I19, and through an entry port I of a steam-jacketed, constant displacement pump I16. The pump I16 includes a body I11 enclosed in a steam jacket H18, which heats the pump to keep the fluidity of the thermoplastic cement high. The pump I16 is of a type operating on the tri-rotor principle and includes a rotor I80, which is fastened to the conveyer shaft I52 by a coupling I8I. A piston I82 and a shuttle I83 of the pump I16 are rotated by the rotor I80, and positively feed for a constant speed of rotation of the rotor a constant quantity of cement per unit of time from the entry port I15 of the pump I16 to a discharge port I85 thereof. The operation of the rotor, the piston and the shuttle are identical with the operation of the corresponding elements in a pump manufactured by the Yale and Towne Mfg. Co. and designated 260A. The helical ribbon I55 is spaced sufllciently from the conduit I5I' and the shaft I52 to permit slippage of the cement so that it agitates the cement to promote fluidity of the cement. However, the ribbon I55 propels the cement through the conduit I5I, and keeps the entry port I15 of the pump I16 filled with cement so that the discharge of the pump I16 15 uniform for a constant rate of operation thereof.

The cement forced through the discharge port I85 of the pump I16 passes through a pipe I86 connecting the pump I16 to a steam-jacketed filter I81, which includes an open-end steamiacketed cylinder I90 and a plug I9I threaded into the open end of the cylinder. A screen basket I92 having'a hand 1e I93 and a rim I94 is supported in the cylinder 99 by lugs I95I95 projecting from the interior of the cylinder, which engage the rim I94 of the basket. The cement is forced from the filter, which screens out any oversized particles into the basket I92, through a steam-heated discharge pipe 209 and through a steam-heated valve 20 I, which is pneumatically controlled by an air valve 202, The valve 20I, the air valve 202 and the elements associated therewith are disclosed and claimed in copending application Serial No. 671,839, flied May 23, 1946. The cement flows through the valve 20I onto a V-shaped divider 205, which is positioned over the portion of the cable 20 which is enclosed in the portion of the strip 36 formed into the shape of a U. Thus, the cement flows onto the cable and into the strip 36 on opposite sides of the centerline of the cable 28 and is carried with the strip 36 and the cable as the strip 36 is completely formed around the cable.

- An electrical circuit for controlling the appa ratus described hereinabove is shown in Fig. 11, and includes a normally open, manually operable switch contact 210, a manually operable switch 2H, and a safety switch 2I2. To start the main motor 52, the switch contact 2) and the switch 2 are closed. Electrical current then flows from a conductor 2I5 of a power line, which also includes a conductor 2I6, through a conductor 2", the switch 2"], conductors 220 and HI, the switch 2, a conductor 222, the switch 2I2, a conductor 225, a contact 226 of a testing switch 221, a contactor 228 of the switch 221, a contact 229 of the switch 221, conductors 230 and 23I, a relay winding 233, a conductor 232, an overload switch contact 235, and a conductor 236. This energizes the winding 233 and closes a holding switch 231, which is connected in parallel with the switch 2! by conductors 240 and 24I so that the switch contact 2I0 may be opened without breaking the circuit, and also closes relay switches 239-239. When the switches 239-239 are closed, motors 25, 234, 244 and 254 of the flooding tanks 24 (Fig. l), 32 (Fig. 2), 38 (Fig. 4), and 42 (Fig. 5), respectively, are started so that the flooding tanks begin to operate.

Current also flows through a conductor 242 (Fig. 11) connected to the conductors 230 and HI, a conductor 243, a contact 245, a contactor 246 and a contact 241 of the testing switch 221, conductors 250, 25I and 252, a contact 255, a contactor 256 and a contact 251 of an adjustable timer 258 of a well-known type, a conductor 260, an electric motor 26I of the timer 258, a conductor 262, a winding 265 of a clutch-controlling solenoid of the timer 258 and a conductor 266 connected to the conductor N6 of the power line, and also through a conductor 268 from the conductor 250 to the winding 265. This energizes the timer motor 26I and the solenoid winding 265 of the timer 258 and starts the timer motor 26I.

While the timer motor 26I is running, the flooding tank motors 25, 234, 244 and 254 drive the flooding tank pumps (not shown) and insure that the materials in the flooding tanks 24, 32, 36 and 42 are fluent. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the timer 258 (Fig. 11)

4) is stopped so that the capstan 45 (Fig. 5),

moves the contactor 256 out of engagement with I the contacts 255 and 251, and moves a contactor 216 into engagement with contacts 211 and 212 of the timer 258. This closes a circuit from the conductor 251 through a conductor 215, the contact 211, the contactor 216, the contact 212, conductors 216 and 211, a relay winding 218, conductors 281 and 282, an overload switch 285 and a conductor 286 to the conductor 216 of the power line. This energizes the relay winding 218, which closes a relay switch 284 to start the main motor 252 and the apparatus described hereinabove. Thus, the timer 258 prevents the operation of the main motor 252 until the flooding tank motors 25, 234, 244 and 254 have been in operation a predetermined period of time.

When the timer 258 (Fig. 11) moves the contactor 216 into engagement with the contactors 211 and 212, it also moves the contactor 256 out of engagement with the contacts 255 and 251, whereby the circuit to the timer motor 261 is broken, and the timer motor 261 is deenergized. The conductor 268 in parallel with the timer motor 261 to the winding 265 of the clutch-controlling solenoid of the timer 258 maintains the energization of the winding 265 even after the contactor 256 is moved out of engagement with the contacts 255 and.251 so that the contactor 216 is held in engagement with the contacts 211 and 212 and the circuit to the relay winding 218 holding the relay switch 284 closed is kept closed.

When the main motor 52 is energized, as described hereinabove, a relay winding 288, connected in parallel with the relay winding 218 by conductors 289 and 296, is energized. The relay winding 288 opens a normally closed switch 291, and closes a normally openswitch 292. When the switch 292 is closed, a relay winding 293 is energized whereby a switch 294 is closed. When the switch 294 is closed the following circuit is completed between the conductors 215 and 216 of the power line: a conductor 295, the switch 294, a conductor 296, a winding 291 of the solenoid 163 (Fig. 3), a conductor 366 (Fig. 11), a winding 361 and a conductor 362.

When the winding 291 is energized it operates the solenoid 163, which causes the valve 162 to be opened so that thermoplastic cement is applied to the edge 165 of the tape 34 by the cement applicator 161. The winding 361 is a part of a solenoid (not shown) controlling the air valve 262 (Fig. 9) of the cement applicator 31, and when it is energized that solenoid actuates the air valve 262 to open the valve 261 so that cement is discharged upon the V-shaped divider 265 and flows down upon the portion of cable 26 directly beneath the divider 265. The valves 261 and 162 (Fig. 3) are opened and the line shaft 51, which drives the conveyer shaft 152 (Fig. 9), the constant displacement pump 116 (Fig. 9) and the cable-advancing capstan 45 (Fig. 5), are started substantially simultaneously so that the cement is applied to the tape 34 by the cement applicator 161 and cement is discharged upon the cable 26 and the copper strip 36 (Fig. 4) simultaneously with the start of the advancement of the cable 26, the tape 34 and the copper strip 36 through the apparatus.

When either the switch 211 (Fig. 11) or the switch 212 is opened, the circuit to the relay winding 233, the relay winding 218 and the relay winding 288 is broken thereby deenergizing the motors 25, 52, 234, 244 and 254. When the main motor 52 is deenergized, the drive shaft 51 (Fig.

7 applied over the tape 31.

the conveyer shaft 152 (Fig. '9) and the pump 116 are not driven. However, the capstan 45 (Fig. 5) and the line shaft 51 coast after the deenergization of the main motor 261, and the cable 26, the copper strip 36 (Fig. 4) and the'tape 34 (Fig. 3) are advanced slightly through the apparatus during the period that they are coasting. To insure that the valve 162 and the valve 261 (Fig. 9) remain open as long asthe cable 26 .moves through the apparatus, an adjustable timer 366 of a well-known type is provided. When the main motor 52 is stopped by opening the switch 211, or the switch 212, to deenergize the relay winding 218, the relay winding 288 is deenergized so that the switch 291 thereof closes and the switch 292 thereof opens. However, a switch 365 of the timer 366 in parallel with the relay switch 292 remains closed so that the relay winding 293 remains energized to hold the switch 294 closed. This holds the solenoid windings 291 and 361 energized so that the valves 162 (Fig. 3) and 261 (Fig. 9) are kept open. When the switch 291 closes as the relay winding 288 is deenergized, a timer motor 368 of the timer 366 is energized and a clutch-controlling solenoid winding 361 of the timer 366 also is energized. After the timer motor 368 has been energized a predetermined period of time, which period of time is substantially equal to that in which the capstan 45 and the line shaft 51 (Fig. 5) coast to a stop, the timer 366 opens the switches 365 and 316 thereof. When the switch 365 is opened, the winding 293 is deenergized and the switch 294 is opened. This deenergizes the solenoid windings 291 and 361 so that the valves 162 (Fig. 3) and 261 (Fig. 9) are closed. When the switch 316 is opened by the timer 366, the motor 368 of this timer is deenergized, but the clutchcontrolling solenoid winding 361 of the timer 366' remains energized from a conductor 311 in parallel with the switch 316 and the motor 368 so that the switches 365 and 316 are kept open until the apparatus is restarted, at which time the relay switch 291 is opened and the solenoid winding 361 is deenergized so that switches 365 and 316 close.

In the operation of the apparatus described hereinabove, first the switches 216 and 211 are closed to start the motors 25, 234, 244 'and 254 and the timer 258. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the main motor 52 is started by the timer 258 and the relay winding 218, and the relay winding 286 is energized so that the switch 291 is opened, which deenergizes the clutch-controlling solenoid winding 361, and the switch 292 is closed. This energizes the relay winding 293, which closes the relay switch 294 to energize the solenoid windings 291 and 361. The valve 162 (Fig. 3) and the valve 261 (Fig. 9) then are opened. The starting of the main motor 52 starts the line shaft 51 (Fig. 5), which drives the capstan 45 to advance the cable 26 through the apparatus and also drives the conveyer shaft 152 (Fig. 9) and the pump 116 to force cement through the valve 261 onto the cable 26. Hence, the opening of the valves 162 and 261 is simultaneous with the start of the line shaft 51.

The cable 26 is advanced through the flooding tank 24 (Fig. 1) and the tape applicator 36. The tape applicator 36 forms the thermoplastic tape 31 around the cable 26, seals the edges thereof together and binds the tape 31 tightly around the cable 26 with the cords 91-91, which are The thermoplastic 11. cement on the cable sticks the tape 3| to the cable. The composite cable, including the cords 3|9I and the tape 3|, travels from the serving head 50 through the flooding tank 32, which covers the exterior of the tape 3| and impregnates the cords 9 |--8| with thermoplastic cement. The cable next travels through the second thermoplastic tape applicator 33 (Fig. 3), which forms the thermoplastic tape 34 around the cable with the overlapped edges I05 and I06 of the tape 34 sealed together by cement applied to the edge I05 by the cement applicator MI. The cement between the tape 34 and the tape 3| sticks the tape 34 tightly to the tape 3|. The tapes |08I08, which are wound around the tape 34 by the serving head I01, wrap the tape 34 tightly around the cable core.

The built-up cable travels from the serving head I01 to the corrugating and forming device 35 (Fig. 4), which corrugates and forms the copper strip 36 into the shape of a U. The cement applicator 31 supplies the U-shaped portion of the copper strip with hot cement, and then the device 35 forms the strip completely around the cable with the edges I35 and I36 of the strip in overlapping positions. The resultant cable, which includes the portion of the copper strip 36 formed around the cable, then is passed through the flooding tank 38, which applies hot asphalt to the exterior of the formed copper strip and through the serving head 40, which wraps the tape 4| thereover. The cable then passes through the flooding tank 42, which covers the tape 4| with hot asphalt, and is adcable 20 with the edges 58 and 82 thereof in overlapped and sealed, adhering relationship. The textile cords 8I-3I applied by the serving head 00 serve to wrap the edge 82 of the tape 3| over the edge 58 in overlapped relationship with respect thereto, and to wrap the tape 3| tightly around the cemented cable.20 to stick the tape 3| thereto. The seam formed by the overlapped edges 58 and 82 of the tape 8| is positioned on the bottom of the cable, as viewed in Fig. 2.

The tape 34 (Fig. 3) is wrapped around the tape 3| and the edge I86 of the tape 34 is wrapped in overlapping and sealing engagement with the edge I05 thereof. The tape 34 is snugged up around and, is stuck to the cement-covered tape 3| (Fig. 2) by the tapes |08|08, which are wrapped around the tape 34 by the serving head I01 of the applicator 33, and the cement covering the tape 3| cements the tape 34 to the tape 3|. Thus, the cords 9|5| and the tapes |08-|08 serve not only to complete the wrapping of the vanced'through the whiting pit 46 (Fig. 5) by the capstan 45, after which the cable is wound upon the take-up reel 41.

When it is desired to stop the apparatus, the toggle switch 2 is opened, which breaks the circuit to the relay winding 233, the timer 258, the

relay winding 218, and the relay winding 280.

Deenergization of the relay winding 233 deenergizes motors 25, 234, 244 and 254, and deenergization of the relay winding 218 deenergizes the main motor 52. The solenoid winding 285 is deenergized so that the contactor 256 moves back into engagement with the contactors 255 and 251 of the timer 258, and the contactor 210 moves out of engagement with the contacts HI and 212 of the timer 258 so that the motor 26| of the timer 258 may be restarted when the apparatus again is started.

When the relay winding 288 is deenergized, the switch 28I recloses to start the timer 308 and the switch 292 is opened. When the timer 305 has run a predetermined period of time, which time is equal to that of the coasting time of the capstan (Fig. 5) and the line shaft 5|, the timer 305 (Fig. 11) opens the switches 305 and 3I'0 thereof. The opening of the switch 305 deenergizes the solenoid windings 251 and 30I, which cause the valve I02 (Fig. 3) of the cement applicator I 0| to close and the valve 20I (Fig. 4) of the cement applicator 31 to close. The clutch-controlling solenoid winding 301 (Fig. 11) remains energized and holds the switches 305 and 3|0 open until the apparatus described hereinabove is restarted at which time the relay switch 29I, is opened, the switches 305 and 3I0 are closed, and the switch 292 closes to close the circuit to the relay winding 283.

The methods of and apparatus for applying thermoplastic tapes to cables described hereinabove apply the tapes 3| and 34 seriatum to the cable 20. The tape 3| is wrapped around the tapes 3| and 34, respectively, around the cable 20, but also serve to aid the cement in holding the tapes 3| and 34 in their wrapped positions, and do so without wrinkling or stretching the tapes 3| and 34. The seam formed by overlapping the edge I06 of the tape I34 over the edge I05 thereof is formed substantially around the cable 20 from the seam formed by the edges 12 and 82 of the tape 3| (Fig. 8). Since both of these seams are sealed and are spaced apart, and since the thermoplastic cement applied to the outside of the tape 3| by the flooding tank 32 and to the outer surface of the tape 34 by the cement applicator 31 (Fig. 4) the copper strip 36 is completely glisuzlgted from and sealed from the original ca- I e It is believed to be obviousthat the methods and apparatus described hereinabove may be used to apply tapes to articles other than cables.

In the use of the terms filament, iilaments," "filamentary article," "filamentary articles, or terms of similar import, it is intended to mean cords, tapes, ribbons, or other elements of similar form composed of textile, plastic or other suitable high strength materials.

What is claimed is:

l. The method of applying tapes to cores. which comprises advancing a core along a predetermined path,.advancing a tape with the core, pressing all of the tape except a portion adjacent to one edge of the tape against the core, applying cement to the other edge of the tape which is pressed against the core, and winding a filament around the tape in such a direction that the filament snugs the tape, folds the free edge of the tape over the cemented edge thereof, presses the free edge firmly against the cemented edge to seal the edges of the tape together and holds the tape upon the core.

2. The method of applying tapes to cables, which comprises advancing a, cable along a predetermined path, advancing longitudinally with the cable a tape whose width is greater than the circumference of the cable, folding a portion of the tape adjacent to one edge thereof against the cable, holding that edge of the tape against the cable, and winding a filament around the cable in such a direction that the filament folds the free edge of the tape over the edge thereof pressed against the cable and binds the tape tightly upon the cable.

3. The method of applying tapes to cores, which comprises advancing a core along a predetermined path, advancing longitudinally with the core a tape whose width is greater than the circumference of the core, folding one edge of the tape against the core, holding that edge of the tape against thecore, applying cement to the outer surface of the portion of the tape adjacent to the last-mentioned edge thereof, and windin 3. filament around the core in such a direction that the filament folds the free edge of the tape over the edge thereof pressed against the core and binds the'tape tightl upon the core.

4. The method of applying tapes to cores, which comprises advancing a core along a predetermined path, advancing a tape whose width is greater than the circumference of the core longitudinally with the core, folding one edge thereof in a predetermined direction to move that portion against the core, holding that portion of the tape against the core, and winding a filament around the core in a direction opposite to that in which said portion of the tape is folded so that the filament folds the portion of the tape adjacent to the other edge of the tape over the edge thereof pressed against the core and snugs and binds the tape tightly upon the core. I

5. The method of applying a tape to a core, which comprises advancing a core along a predetermined path, advancing a tape with the core, holding the tape against the core, wrapping the tape partially around the core to a position in which the tape has a U-shaped cross section, folding one edge portion of the tape around the core in a predetermined direction topress that edge portion of the tape against the core, and winding a filament tightly around the tape in a direction opposite to the direction of folding of said edge portion of the tape to complete the wrapping of the core.

6. The method of applying tapes to cores, which comprises advancing a core along a predetermined path, advancing a tape along the bottom of the path, folding one edge of the tape against one portion of the core, winding a filamerit around the tape to fold the other edge of the tape against that portion of the core and to bind the tape tightly to the core, advancing a second tape with the core and the first-mentioned tape, moving one edge of the second tape against a portion of the periphery of the first-mentioned tape, and winding a filament around the second tape to complete the wrappingoi the second tape around the first-mentioned tape.

7. The method of applying tapes to cables, which comprises advancing along a predetermined path a cable having a predetermined circumference, advancing along the top of the path a tape whose width is greater than the circumference of the cable, pressing one edge of the tape in a predetermined direction to press that edge of the tape against the upper portion of the cable, applying cement to the outer surface of the portion of the tape adjacent to said edge, winding a filament around the tape in a direction opposite to that in which said edge of the tape is pressed to move the other edge of the tape into overlapping and sealing relationship with respect to the firstmentioned edge of the tape and to bind the tape tightly to the cable, advancing upon the bottom of the first-mentioned tape with the cable and the first mentioned tape a second tape whose width is greater than the circumference of the first-men-' tioned tape, pressing one edge of the second tape in a predetermined direction to press that edge against the upper portion of the periphery of the first-mentioned tape, applying cement to the outer surface of the portion of the second tape adjacent to the edgethereof pressed against the first-mentioned tape, and winding a filament around the second tape in a direction opposite to that in which said edge of the second tape is pressed to complete the wrapping of the second tape around the first-mentioned tape and to move the free edge of the second tape into overlapping relationship with respect to the first-mentioned edge of the second tape so that the edges of the second tape are cemented together.

8. The method of applying tapes to cores, which comprises advancing a core along a predetermined path, covering the periphery of the core with cement, advancing a tape longitudinally with the core, holding the tape out of contact with the cemented periphery of the core, pressing the central portion of the tape against the cemented periphery of the core, ,pressing the portion of the tape adjacent to one edge thereof against the cemented core, and winding a filamentary article around the core to press the portion of the tape adjacent to the other edge thereof against the cemented core.

9. The method of applying tapes to the core, which comprises advancing a core along a predetermined path, covering the core with thermoplastic cement. advancing a thermoplastic tape longitudinally to the core, pressing the central portion of the'tape against the cement covered core, fol'ming the half of the tape adjacent to one edge thereof around the core to stick that portion of the tape to the core, applying cement to a portion of the tape adjacent to said edge, and winding a filamentary article around the tape in a direction in which the filamentary article presses the half of the tape adjacent. to the other edge thereof againstthe core and moves the portion of the tape adjacent to the lastmentioned edge of the tape into overlapping engagement with the first-mentioned edge of the tape.

10. The method *of applying tapes to cores, which comprises advancing acore along a predetermined path, covering the periphery of the core with thermoplastic cement, advancing a tape longitudinally with the core, forming the portion of the tape adjacent to one edge thereof around the cement-covered core, winding a filamentary article around the tape in a direction tending to wrap the portion of the tape adjacent to the other edge thereof around the core and the first-mentioned edge of the tape to form a seam between the two edges of the tape, covering the filamentary article and the tape with cement, advancing a second tape with the core, pressing a portion of the second tape between the edges thereof against the portion of the first mentioned tape at the seam formed by the edges thereof, pressing the portion of the second tape adjacent to one edge thereof against the cement-covered first-mentioned tape, and winding a filamentary article around the second tape to press the portion of the tape adjacent to the other edge thereof against the cement-covered iirshmentioned tape and the first-mentioned edge of the second tape and to form a seam between the two cdges of the second tape at a point spaced from the seam formed by the edges of the first-mentioned tape.

11. The method of applying tapes to cores, which comprises advancing a core having a predetermined diameter along a predetermined path, covering the periphery of the core with cement, advancing a thermoplastic tape whose width is greater than the circumference of the 15 core longitudinally with the core, pressing the central portion of the tape against the cementcovered core, forming the portion of the tape between the central portion thereof and one edge thereof around the cement-covered core, applying cement to the outer surface of the portion of the tape adjacent to the last-mentioned edge thereof, winding a filamentary article around the tape to form the portion of the tape between the central portion thereof and the free edge thereof around the cement-covered core and to overlap the two edges of the tape to form a seam therebetween, covering the tape and the fila mentary article with cement, advancing a second tape whose width is greater than the circumference of the built-up core with the built-up core;

pressing the central portion of the second tape against the, seam of the first-mentioned tape, forming the portion of the second tape between the central portion thereof and one edge thereof around the first-mentioned tape, applying the cement to the outer surface of the portion of the second tape adjacent to said edge thereof, and winding a filamentary article around the second tape in a direction tending to form the portion of that tape between the central por-' tion thereof and the other edge thereof around the first-mentioned tape and to overlap the edges of the second tape.

12. An apparatus for applying tapes to cores, which comprises means for advancing a core along a predetermined path, means for advancing with the core a tape in contact with the core at the central portion of the tape, means for pressing the portion of the tape between one edge thereof and the central portion thereof against the core, and means for winding a filament around the tape to snug the tape against the core and to complete the wrapping of the tape around the core.

13. An apparatus for applying a tape to a core, which comprises means for continuously advancing a core, means for advancing a tape with the core, a forming die for forming only a portion of the tape adjacent to one edge thereof around the core, and a serving head for winding a filament around the tape to form the remainder of the tape around the core.

14. An apparatus for applying thermoplastic tapes to cores, which comprises means for continuously advancing a core along a predetermined path, means for covering the core with cement, means for advancing a tape longitudinally with the core, means for holding the tape out of contact with the cement-covered core, a forming die for pressing one edge of the tape against the cement-covered core, means for applying cement to one edge of the tape, and means for winding a filament around the tape to fold the portion of the tape including the free edge thereofaround the core.

15. An apparatus for applying tapes to cores,-

means for covering the core with cement, means for guiding the central portion of the tape into] contact with the cement-covered core so that' the tape is advanced with thecore, a die for.

pressing the portion of the tape between thecentral portion thereof and' one edge thereof against the periphery of the core, means for applying cement to the portion of the tape adjacent to said edge thereof, means for winding a fila-.

ment around the tape to form the rest of the tape against the core and to form the other edge of the tape over thefirst-mentloned edge thereof to form a seam, means for covering the tape and the filament with cement, means for guiding the central'portion of a second tape into contactwith the first-mentioned tape at a point near the position of the seam of the first-mentioned tape, a die for pressing the portion of the second tape between the central portion thereof and an edge thereof against the first-mentioned tape, means for applying cement to the portion of the second tape adjacent to said edge thereof, and means for winding a filament around the second tape to form the rest of the second tape around the first-mentioned tape and to form the other edge of the second tape over the firstmentioned edge thereof to form a seam. v

16. An apparatus for applying tapes to cores, which comprises 'means for advancing a -core along a predetermined path, means for advancing a tape with the core, means for pressing only one edge of the tape around the core in a predetermined direction, and means for winding a filament around the tape in a direction opposite to the direction in which said edge of the tape is pressed to snug the tape tightly upon the core and to form the rest of the tape around the core.

- 17. An apparatus for applying tapes to cores, which comprises means for continuously advancing a core along a predetermined path, means for guiding a tape longitudinally with the core, means for pressing a portion of the tape adjacent to one edge thereof against the core, a roll for engaging the outer surface of the portion of the tape adjacent to said edge thereof for applying cement to said portion of the tape, and means for wrapping the portion of the tape adjacent to the other edge thereof over the cemented portion of the tape to form a-seam between the two edges of the tape.

18. An apparatus for applying tapes to cores, which comprises means for continuously advancing a core along a predetermined path, means for guiding a tape longitudinally into contact with the core, means for pressing a portion of the tape adjacent to one edge thereof against the core, a concave roll for engaging the outer surface of the portion of the tape adjacent to said edge thereof, means for applying cement to the periphery of the roll so that the roll applies cement to said portion of thetape, andmeans for wrapping the portion of the tape adjacent to the other edge thereof over the cemented portion of the tape to form a seam between the two edges of the tape.

19. An apparatus for applying tapes to cores, which comprises means for continuously advancing a core along a predetermined path, means for guiding a tape into contact with the core, means for pressing a portion of the tape adjacent to one edge thereof against the core, a roll having a concave, roughened periphery, means for urging the roll against the outer surface of the portion of the tape adjacent to said edge thereof, means for applying cement to the periphery of the roll so that the roll applies cement to said portion of the tape, and means for wrapping the portion of the tape adjacent to the other edge thereof over the cemented portion of the tape to form a seam between the two edges of the tape.

20. The method of applying tapes to cores, which comprises advancing a core along a predetermined -path, advancing longitudinally with the core a tape, folding a portion of the tape ad the tape adjacent to the free edge thereof against the core.

ALTON L. LOUCKS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Slade Nov. 8, 1932 Humberstone Oct. 8, 1935 Yeager June 16, 1936 Fischer Mar. 11, 1941 Barmack Apr. 3, 1945 

